The “My Precious” picture gallery grows (check it here), with more diamond photos from past trips to the Diamantina – Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Light conditions are always poor and time short. It helps to travel with friends they know but the garimpeiros, despite intrigued with the expensive camera laden gringo speaking funny Portuguese, are invariably friendly; they always let me take all the pictures I want and let me, a stranger, witness the negotiation process. This picture – a complete parcel, including its container – was taken in 2012 in the Diamantina – MG region.